Immerse yourself in Morocco's intoxicating history and culture on this 7-day itinerary, which takes in four of the country’s most important imperial cities. Experience the ancient city of Fes, the former capital of Meknes and the current one, Rabat, as well as the historic trade hub of Marrakech. This one-week Morocco itinerary also includes a stop in the pulsing metropolis of Casablanca for a taste of modern life in this fascinating North African nation.
At every stop on this one week Morocco itinerary, you'll discover vibrant souks, magnificent mosques and mouthwatering cuisine while gaining an understanding of Morocco's diverse cultural tapestry.
To complete this imperial cities tour, simply fly into Fes and depart from Marrakech (or visa versa). With good train and bus connections between each stop, it’s possible to complete this itinerary using public transportation. Hiring a car gives you greater freedom and flexibility, provided you’re comfortable driving on Moroccan roads.
To learn more about your start and end destinations, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes and Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech. They're packed with useful info about things to see and do, recommended accommodations and the best time to visit Morocco.
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Highlights:
• See the world’s oldest university in the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes
• Discover the legacy of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the imperial city of Meknes
• Explore Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis
• Wander the atmospheric Kasbah of Rabat
• Experience the buzzing energy of Casablanca - home to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque
• Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Marrakech souks
One-week Morocco itinerary from Fes to Marrakech
I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
Day 1 and 2: Fes
Begin your journey in the ancient imperial city of Fes, which was founded back in the 9th century. Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it centres around a monument-filled medina that has remained remarkably intact for almost 1200 years. Within its maze-like alleys, you'll discover souks overflowing with treasures, centuries-old Islamic schools and historic tanneries, as well as one of the oldest universities in the world.
To make the most of your time, I’d recommend booking a guide for a half-day tour of Fes as this will help you get your bearings. With an insider's perspective, you'll better appreciate the medina's layout and avoid hassles from pushy vendors. The maze-like medina is really easy to get lost in, although that is all part of the Fes experience!
Not-to-miss highlights include the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and Al Attarine Madrasa (both incredible architectural wonders), as well as the Museum of Dar Batha and the Chouara Tannery. Be sure to admire the Medersa Bou Inania and visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts, which showcases Morocco’s rich artisanal legacy. If time allows, this cooking class in Fes offers a good introduction to Moroccan cuisine for foodies!
For more info about the top things to see and do in Fes, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
If you're staying in a riad (which I’d highly recommend), take time to unwind in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace, most of which boast incredible views across the city. Here’s a list of some of my favourite luxury riads in Fes for those looking to splurge.
One week Morocco itinerary
Best places to stay in Fes
Luxury places to stay in Fes
Mid-range places to stay in Fes
Budget places to stay in Fes
For more information about the above hotels, check out my article detailing 8 of the Best Riads in Fes.
Day 3: Meknes and Volubilis to Rabat
After leaving Fes, make the one-hour drive (60 km) to Meknes, which once served as the capital of Morocco. It dazzles with its grand mosques, mausoleums and monumental gate dating from the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Wander through the lively souks of the ancient medina or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Imperial City to visit the ornately decorated Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
To learn more about things to see and do in Meknes, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Meknes.
Next, venture 30 km further to Volubilis to discover Morocco’s largest and best-preserved Roman ruins. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the site features towering columns and crumbling temples, as well as mosaics depicting Orpheus and Hercules. Not far away lies the picturesque mountain village of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site with a peaceful, whitewashed medina.
A further two hours (150 km) down the road is the capital of Morocco, Rabat, a laid-back city that combines an ancient medina with a colonial new town. I highly recommend staying at a riad in the city’s medina to really immerse yourself in the country’s architectural heritage. Some of the capital’s best riads are highlighted in my Ultimate Travel Guide to Rabat, as well as a rundown of the best things to do.
One week Morocco itinerary
Best places to stay in Rabat
Luxury places to stay in Rabat
Mid-range places to stay in Rabat
Budget places to stay in Rabat
Day 4: Rabat
Spend a full day exploring Rabat, which was founded in the 12th century by the Almohads and later served as a French administrative centre. It centres around a laid-back medina and an atmospheric Kasbah district that is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the 12th-century minaret of the Hassan Tower and the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V before soaking up the sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean.
In Rabat’s Ville Nouvelle, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum and the fascinating Postal Museum, as well as a fine assemblage of French colonial architecture. History buffs shouldn’t miss the ruins of Chellah, an ancient necropolis on the banks of the Bou Regreg River.
If you want to explore with a local, I’d recommend this cultural walking tour of Rabat. For those interested in Morocco’s culinary treasures, why not get hands-on with a Moroccan cooking class in Rabat.
One week Morocco itinerary
Day 5: Casablanca
It’s just a one-hour hop from Rabat to Casablanca - the largest city in Morocco. While it can feel chaotic and busy (and isn’t always on the tourist track), it’s worth a stop to take in the spellbinding Hassan II Mosque. One of Africa's largest and most architecturally stunning mosques, it can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers and is accessible to non-Muslims outside of prayer times. Skip-the-line guided tours are offered several times daily for visitors wanting to experience Hassan II’s magnificence and its architectural innovations.
After you’ve ticked the Hassan II Mosque off your list, take time to stroll along the pedestrianised Corniche to enjoy the ocean breezes and soak up the beachside activities of Ain Diab. Back in the city, you’ll find some of Morocco’s finest examples of Mauresque architecture, which combine neo-Moorish design with Art Deco and Art Nouveau features. Keep an eye out for the Palace of Justice and the Bank of Morocco building.
To really immerse yourself in Casablanca’s architectural heritage, I’d recommend this walking tour of the medina and its surroundings.
For more Casablanca inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Casablanca, which includes a more detailed list of the best places to stay.
Best places to stay in Casablanca
Luxury places to stay in Casablanca
Mid-range places to stay in Casablanca
Budget places to stay in Casablanca
One week Morocco itinerary
Day 6 and 7: Marrakech
The final stop on your journey is the intoxicating city of Marrakech, which is a three-hour drive from Casablanca. Within the ancient ramparts of the red-hued medina, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells awaits. Marrakech’s lively souks burst with vibrant textiles, fragrant spices and skilled artisans at work while its historic palaces and museums reveal the city's rich heritage as a crossroads of trade and culture.
As in Fes and Rabat, I highly recommend staying in a riad, with Marrakech boasting some of the country’s best. Nestled within the winding alleys of the medina, these authentic Moroccan guesthouses range from highly traditional to alluringly contemporary, many with courtyard plunge pools and rooftop terraces. To help you choose from the hundreds of incredible riads in Marrakech, I’ve put together a list of my favourites here.
As the sun begins to set, the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive with street food vendors, snake charmers and performers. If being in the heart of all the action is too much, head to a rooftop terrace restaurant to watch from above while sipping on a mint tea.
Spend the following day taking in the sights of Marrakech, including the towering Koutoubia Mosque, the architecturally impressive Medersa Ben Youssef and the enchanting Bahia Palace. If time allows, I’d also recommend visiting the Saadian Tombs and the Dar Si Said Museum. No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the souks where you’ll find everything from handmade leather goods to Amazigh carpets and ornate lanterns.
For a better idea of things to buy in the Marrakech souks, check out my Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Morocco.
Best places to stay in Marrakech
Luxury places to stay in Marrakech
Mid-range places to stay in Marrakech
Budget places to stay in Marrakech
If you have an extra day or two, make the drive over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to the ancient ksar of Ait Benheddou, taking in the “Hollywood of Morocco” - Ouarzazate. Alternatively, experience some of the country’s most beguiling scenery on an adventure through the gorges of Dades and Todra, including a stop in the “Rose Capital” of Kalaat M’Gouna.
I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
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